Connect What is the most rewarding part of being a mom?

The most rewarding thing is seeing what my kids do with the foundation I raised them with. Their dad was a disabled army veteran, and we taught them a lot about mental health, empathy, and acceptance of others. Watching them expand on those principles makes me happy, and I know their dad would be proud. His depression may have been terminal, but my kids fight every day to spread their goodness.

What is one memory of your kids that you will never forget?

I will never forget the sweet tender moments from the day their dad died until his funeral. There was so much grief, love, bonding, laughing, remembering. As a family, we started out in the military, and through our various moves, we have learned to love, and lean on one another.

What would you do with $20,000?

I would pay off debt that we have gone into to support 2 house payments, a funeral and 7 kids. Things like school lunch accounts are in the negative, and we have lost things like dental and medical insurance. It would help us play catch up from all we've been through the past 9 months.